LEADERSHIP

Pastor Janessa Chastain

Janessa moved back to Boise in April 2020 to serve as the executive director of  Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity. In all her work, she is committed to expanding partnerships and focusing on local advocacy efforts so Ada County families can best be served. Before joining Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity, Janessa was a United Methodist Pastor in the Desert-Southwest conference, working in Tucson and Phoenix AZ. She worked to strengthen her local communities by partnering with churches and community outreach organizations, helping them connect to serve more effectively. She also worked in international advocacy, creating educational opportunities in partnership with United Nations Task Forces, hosting international dignitaries, and helping activists prepare to testify before United Nations committees. She graduated from Willamette University with a degree in politics. She received her masters of divinity from Drew University. Janessa grew up in a Boise,ID and was a committed member of Hillview United Methodist Church. She’s very glad to be back in her hometown.
 


​Rev. Jenny W. Hirst
[email protected]

Jenny has served as Outreach Minister at Collister since August 2018. As an ordained Deacon, she is passionate about ministry at the intersection of church and community, guiding efforts in compassion and justice. Her work includes supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion, walking alongside families who come to Boise through refugee resettlement, and creating spaces of welcome, connection, and access to resources.

Jenny also partners with community organizations and interfaith initiatives across the Treasure Valley to strengthen justice and compassion in practical, meaningful ways.
Jenny holds a B.S. in Education from Indiana University, an M.S. in Environmental Education from Southern Connecticut State University, and a Graduate Theological Studies degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. She has taught at both elementary and university levels and has served as a K–8 staff developer and program director.

​Jenny enjoys writing songs and playing music with her band, Willison Roos. She and her husband, Mark were married on New Year’s Eve 2018, and together they have five amazing adult children, three sons-in-law and three grandchildren. They are enjoying love, life, and adventures together!